How Much Should You Spend on Baby Shower Gift? Here's What the Experts Say
When someone you're close to makes a pregnancy announcement, you can expect that an invitation to the baby shower isn't far away. Amidst the excitement upon hearing the news, you may want to start thinking about how much to spend on a baby shower gift.
A baby shower, much like a bridal shower, is traditionally a casual daytime party that is held for "showering" the parents-to-be with gifts and necessities for their little one. As you begin your search and find toys, clothes, and changing-table essentials at all different price points, determining how much to spend on a baby shower gift will help keep you within your budget while making the most helpful impact. Here's what you need to consider.
How Close to the Parents-to-Be Are You?
Your relationship with the parents-to-be is the top consideration before buying a baby shower gift — but even then, this isn't something you need to overspend on.
"I don’t feel that it should ever be expected that you should spend more than $100 on a baby shower gift," says Patrick Kucharson, author of the Better Gift Coach newsletter. "An expected range that feels appropriate for most people is $25-100, depending on how close you are to the expecting parents."
For example, if your sibling or best friend is the parent-to-be, it would be appropriate to give something at the higher end of that budget range that may feel a little more special and splurgy. (Think: a travel bottle warmer, white-noise machine, or top-of-the-line diaper bag). But if you have an acquaintance-level relationship with them, giving a more practical, affordable gift will still be appreciated.
What Types of Gifts Are Appropriate for a Baby Shower?
Many parents-to-be now put together an online registry for their baby shower — this is the easiest way to let their friends and family know exactly what they need as they set up a nursery and prepare themselves for parenthood.
However, not all parents-to-be create gift registries, and if that's the case, then you can keep it simple by buying useful but affordable parenting essentials for the baby shower. "A gift basket with lots of inexpensive items that are $15 or less always makes a great presentation," says Tami Claytor, etiquette coach at Always Appropriate. Stocking a gift basket with cute onesies, bibs, blankets, and teething rings is a safe bet for helping out nearly any parents-to-be.
It's important to keep in mind that, while you may think it's a nice gesture, springing for a big-ticket item like a car seat or a stroller — unless you've checked with the parents-to-be first — may end up being more of a burden than intended. Because there are so many safety specs to consider, the parents may want to do their own research before they buy or register for these products.
What if It's Their Second Child?
While it may be less common for parents to hold a baby shower if they already have children, you're not exempt from giving a gift for this occasion — whether or not you plan to attend. "Regardless of how many children the expecting parents may already have, I do feel it’s the best practice for you to give a gift," Kucharson says.
If you're concerned about giving an extraneous gift when their home may already be overflowing with baby toys and clothes, opt for a practical gift. "The gift would likely be something worth its weight in gold to newborn parents, like a large pack of diapers with a return receipt," Kucharson says.
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